Sam Krahn 
Even though the U.S. has only had the current Ford Ranger since 2019, it’s actually a fairly old vehicle. Our current Ranger is based on the T6 platform, which has been around in other parts of the world since 2011. That means it’s coming up on a decade of use, so it’s time for a new model. The next generation Ranger is being developed in conjunction with Volkswagen to lower the cost in creating a new, global mid-size pickup platform. Now, according to a report by Australia’s CarExpert, the next generation 2022 Ford Ranger will supposedly go hybrid for gas models.
Specifically, the alleged Ranger plans say the next-gen model will have three powertrain options: two diesel options and a hybrid gas model, at least for the Australian market. As for diesels, there is slated to be a four and six cylinder offering. The hybrid is model is said to be a plug in hybrid turbo four banger.
Remember, these leaks are coming from an Australian publication, so the lineup could change for America. But given a few key factors, there’s a good chance these rumors are true. And it’s easy to see Ford Ranger hybrid coming to America. Especially if Volkswagen wants a hybrid. Remember, the next-generation VW Amarok and Ford Ranger are supposed to share a common T6 architecture. However, this intel conflicts with reports that swirled about a year ago. At that time, a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and 3.0L Power Stroke V6 diesel were the rumored powerplants of choice. Non-electrified.
Ford seems to otherwise be embracing electrification across its lineup. We have already seen the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, and we know an all-electric F-150 is incoming. Furthermore, it’s all but confirmed the 2021 Ford F-150 will launch with a hybrid option. If Ford is willing to test the waters with a hybrid F-150, it would be odd for them not to continue this trend with the next-generation Ford Ranger.
Finally, CarExpert gives a few more details on the T6 Ford Ranger Raptor. They claim that this variant get a turbo-diesel V6 instead of the current 2.0 liter four cylinder diesel, likely in order to fix criticism that it’s too slow. But it’s still not the special Coyote V8 Ranger Raptor project that was recently canceled. It’s still not clear, however, if the next generation Ranger Raptor will make it to U.S. shores, let alone with this engine.
The Ranger will also get much updated interior tech, with the 12.8 inch portrait style infotainment system first seen in the Mustang Mach-E possibly incoming. Overall, the 2022 Ford Ranger is set to be a far more modern, economic and tech filled upgrade to the current model. Hopefully they don’t price themselves out of the market as a result.
